We don’t feature products very often here on DailyBurn (BTW, do you want us to?), but every once in a while something comes along that is really cool and we have to share it. And you have to admit it, the Steelcase Walkstation is pretty sweet.
I have been interested in “treadputers” ever since I saw the one that Brad Feld built for his daily training. The thought of walking while doing computer work is very appealing – burning calories while working could make a huge difference for many people trying to lose weight. The Walkstation tops out 2MPH, so you could effectively walk 16 miles while working a normal 8 hour shift.
So, I just ordered a Steelcase Walkstation. I am interested to see how it will help me reach my weight goals, and I will be posting a review on the site after I have used it for a while. I know they are pretty expensive, but can you put a price on your health?
And, Steelcase is having a current charity give away where you could actually win a Walkstation. You can find full details on how you can win a Steelcase Walkstation here.
FULL DISCLOSURE – We just put an affiliate relationship in place with Steelcase. So, if you buy a Walkstation we will get some commission. If you like the Walkstation, we hope you will buy one by using this link. That said, we aren’t featuring this product just because we get a commission. We actually think this is pretty cool and could make a real difference for a lot of people.
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
you gotta be kidding me. this is the worst idea i've seen. If you want to burn calories go do something intense for an hour. If you want to accomplish some office work, do it without acting like a hamster in a wheel all day. I bet it would make a person half as productive at work to walk on this thing. Not to mention, the risk of falling off while focused on work seems pretty high to me.
Is this a joke? This is the worst "invention" I've ever seen. And of course I wasn't surprised to see a "disclaimer" at the end of your post admitting that I wasted my time reading what is essentially an ad. You guys need to wise up and get savvy about playing in the social media space – this is a great way to alienate users.
And not to belabor the point, but I challenge you to post a photo of the $5,000 device you "just ordered" once it arrives. My bet is that this will never happen because you didn't actually order it.
Thanks for the comments.
I actually do think this is cool. It should not replace exercise, and I never suggested that.
My walkstation should get here in early December (there is a 5-6 week delay). I’ll probably do a video review.
I just wanted to be clear about the affiliate deal because I think it is important to be transparent. I hope being transparent doesn’t alienate, but builds trust.
I think that this product would work for some people, though I'm not one of them. There are all kinds of people who do this kind of thing while at work, like the pedal machine that powers a computer monitor (turning the monitor off when you aren't pedaling). I don't think this is too far fetched of an idea and frankly I'm surprised someone hasn't come up with it yet.
I appreciate what the folks at DailyBurn are trying to do, which is why I'm a pro member. I think that product reviews here and there would be helpful. Probably no more than one a month and they should review something I'd want to use
Lastly, I appreciate the honesty. I recommend products I resell all the time. Mostly because I wouldn't become an affiliate, and put my name behind something if I didn't have some faith in it. I prefer unbiased reviews, but sometimes that's just not possible, and with the the admission that they are an affiliate I can take that into account.
Keep up the good work DailyBurn folks,
~Clayton
Talk about multitasking…
Not a new idea, and one with some reasonable medical science behind it: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/treadmill-desk/M...
I agree with Clayton that this will be pretty cool for some people.
JJ
Tough crowd! I have used the Walkstation many times, and while I can't say I could do it 8-9hrs a day, I find that the walking is forgotten after a few minutes. I can crunch through email, manage projects, make phone calls, etc, while burning calories. It isn't for everyone, but it definitely helps get the blood pumping after lunch!
More full disclosure: I am a Steelcase employee (in IT), so selling these, or any of our products / services, helps to ensure I continue to receive a paycheck.
I love it. I just wish I could convince my office to buy me one. I like a standing desk anyway and I've always got too much energy (I bounce my leg in meetings and I'm always squirming). No don't consider this your primary means of exercise, but it's a damn site better than some of my coworkers get. The most exercise they get is walking across the street to the burrito place.
I think it like and dislike is a generation difference. The younger generation will love it. My daughter currently takes her laptop computer with her when she goes to run on our treadmill. She chats with friends on facebook, checks her email, and even works on homework, etc. Face it those that have a physical demanding job get much more activity then those that sit in a chair all day. It is about being active not just losing weight. Face it we in the US have the worst health rate. Insurance companies/employers are now giving discounts for smokeless employees – who is to say that it will stop there. So if walking 16 miles a day for 5 day is 128 miles a week vs. if you were a runner of 5 miles a day for 5 days is only 25 miles a week, how can that be bad it is just different.
It seems that this product can work out for some, but not for most. I have tried studying while on the treadmill and at times I'm okay with it because it makes me feel less guilty about studying rather than working out, but other time I'm left with a big headache. Overall, I use exercise (especially running) as a form of stress-reliever. This machine seems inviting due to the multi-tasking capabilities, but who knows what kind of computer comes with it? It may be even slower than the 2mph walk that this treadmill goes by!
Andy, I hope it works out for you and definitely update us with a review on this machine! Seems like we're all curious as to how it will work out for the public.
I like this product. I agree that it is not for everyone. I think I would make too many mistakes.
Dr. Mark Bender wrote a book claiming that standing two hours a day can take 20lbs off you in a year, so walking a bit would surely enhance that. I just wonder how well you can move and get anything other than reading done. Typing and jogging doesn't seem compatible to me. Looking forward to seeing your review. Oh and fair disclosure, we sell Steelcase too.
I hope you noticed on the ad, the max speed is 2 mph. umm…last time i checked, you could walk 2 miles in 30 minutes. So, I think 2 mph would be a lot slower, kind of like a stroll through the park.
I think its a pretty cool idea which i why built my own out of an ikea desk with a desktop that can be put at standing height and a Noritrack treadmill i bought off of Craigslist. Total cost about $300.00. I also like the flexibility to actually run on the treadmill, 2 miles an hour all day long would get boring.
I have to admit, I have Stride Cycle peddler under my desk and I love it. I use a BodyBugg during the day and it's proof that it helps burn more calories when I peddle. My position is software support for 24 school districts so needless to say I keep busy on the phone and answering email questions all day long – i.e. stuck at a desk all day. The Stride Cycle peddler at least helps me get a little motion in during the day. I like the idea of the WalkStation. I couldn't afford one but would love one.
love the idea, especially of a cheaper version via craigslist
This version (and brad's) are a little out of my reach, but I'm thinking of a simple bracket to hold my laptop, then I can use it on webinars, watching movies, etc.. Thanks!